But what really sets this development apart from other similar office blocks is the technology and equipment it offers, which have led to pre-certification by two of the most exacting international bodies: LEED Platinum and WELL. While the latter is managed by the International WELL Building Institute, the former is supervised by the US Green Business Council Inc. (USGBC), though both concepts are similar. While the LEED certificate endorses a company’s compliance with certain sustainability and energy efficiency standards, the WELL certificate guarantees that the workspace protects the health and wellbeing of its occupants.
Consequently, although both certificates are complementary, it is very difficult to achieve them and implement them in the same space, given the tremendous demands and costs involved. CALEDONIAN HQ not only has the WELL but also the LEED Platinum certification, the highest and most difficult level to achieve of those issued by the USGBC.
And what requirements does CALEDONIAN HQ have to fulfil to achieve the two most demanding certifications for office buildings? First and foremost, the most advanced energy efficiency and noise insulation technology and systems on the market, among other factors.
The first incentive comes the moment you arrive on site. More than 3,500 sqm of landscaped gardens and a natural swimming pool completely separate the offices, both acoustically and visually, from the motorway that runs alongside, one of the main thoroughfares into and out of Madrid. This key feature also encourages healthier working habits and helps to combat episodes of stress and depression.
Inside, light is one of the essential elements for achieving WELL certification. This is why at CALEDONIAN HQ every floor is exterior and all the workstations benefit from natural light
In addition, the offices are equipped with a lighting system that adapts to the circadian rhythm of the human body; in other words, it regulates the temperature, colour and intensity of the lighting according to the time of day to resemble sunlight and thus adapt the amount of light that falls on each desk, depending on the natural light coming into the offices from outside.
Meanwhile, sound insulation is another of the most highly-rated features for obtaining both certificates, as the systems used for this purpose tend to also enhance energy efficiency and personal comfort. In this respect, CALEDONIAN HQ has a floating floor, a ceiling of solid wood slats with insulation, joinery windows with butyral sheet double glazing, an advanced noise suppression system, and an inaudible climate control system; in other words, there is no noise from either the air-conditioning or the machinery itself.
All the building’s energy is powered by geothermal energy and a photovoltaic solar system that guarantees sustainability, in addition to another system for rainwater recovery and greywater recycling, all of which takes energy efficiency and savings way beyond the market standard.
Finally, developments with LEED Platinum and WELL certification stand out for their optimal levels of comfort and wellbeing for the people who work in them. CALEDONIAN HQ features low-speed air-conditioning, underfloor heating and a cool ceiling. Air quality is exceptional thanks to a ventilation and air renewal system with temperature and humidity regulation, measurement of CO2 levels by zones, ultrasound-regulated air renewal, and openable windows. Winning LEED Platinum and WELL certification is no easy feat!
